Innov8 Event Defines Responsible Paths for ‘Internet of Things’ Projects

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a term encompassing an ever-growing number of devices that connect us to each other and the world. Smartphones, smart cars, smart fridges; the intelligence of previously limited items has been upped exponentially to create new capabilities and improve user, and the human, experience.

However, IoT projects that may not take careful consideration of key factors can diminish that experience. That was the focal point of the April installment of Innov8, a UTO speaker series bringing outside voices to ASU to speak on their innovative expertise. Mike Trojecki, Vice President of Logicalis’ Digital Solution, presented “How to Avoid Screwing up IoT” via Zoom, stressing that the potential of IoT can be fulfilled with careful development.

Trojecki illustrated the five major challenges in developing IoT in the big use cases of healthcare, smart cities and industry. Whether connected medical tools, smart roadways and remote workers are the topic at hand, complexity, a lack of partnerships, ownership, “tribalism” and fledgling science projects can stall their development.

“IoT’s been having a huge impact for a long time,” Trojecki said, before summarizing his advice. “Make sure you identify what the real organizational goals are. Get the right people involved. Keep those people connected, collaborate together. Take the time to ideate. And lastly, focus on the metrics.”

The scope of Trojecki’s insight can be found in the full Innov8 presentation, which is fully viewable on YouTube.